The wholesale price of onion at Lasalgaon in Maharashtra -- country's largest market for the crop -- shot up to Rs 54 per kg today. Consequently in the price-sensitive Delhi retail markets, price of the kitchen staple has dramatically risen up to Rs 80 per kg.

According to the tender, MMTC has invited bids for import of 10,000 tonnes of onion for arrival latest by September 15 via Wagah border, Kandla, JNPT and Chennai ports.

Onion should be sourced from Pakistan, Egypt, China, Afghanistan or any other country. Bids should be submitted by August 27 and will remain valid up to September 2.

Bids should be made for a minimum quantity of 1,000 tonnes. The exact supply order will be regulated in units of 500 tonnes depending upon the requirement.

"Quantity can be increased or decreased. It is the sole and absolute discretion of the buyer depending on the prices received in the tender," the tender added.

Onion prices are hardening due to the fall in production and sluggish supply of stored onions, which are meant for meeting demand during the lean July-September.

Total onion production is estimated to be lower at 189 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 crop year (July-June), slightly lower than 194 lakh tonnes a year ago. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are the top three onion-producing states in the country.